FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2022
CONTACT:
Tamaria Williams
Communications Specialist
(225) 382-3577
Visit Baton Rouge thanks Paul Arrigo for 25 years of service
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Visit Baton Rouge staff, Board of Directors and hospitality industry would like to thank Paul Arrigo, CDME for his commitment to the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the past 25 years.
After a five-decade career in tourism, Arrigo announced his plans to retire in 2022. He officially retires from Visit Baton Rouge on Friday, September 30th. Jill Kidder was appointed to take over the role effective August 15, 2022.
“During my time at Visit Baton Rouge, I was truly blessed with a professional and passionate staff that helped lead the way for accomplishments I’ll always remember,” said Arrigo. “I’d like to thank the partnership of the tourism industry and non-industry entities for making Baton Rouge what it is today. I’m very pleased and excited to see where Jill takes the organization in the future as I know that she will be an amazing leader.”
As a New Orleans native, Arrigo relocated from his hometown to Baton Rouge in 1997 to assume the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, known today as Visit Baton Rouge. He was later appointed to President & CEO in 2002 after the departure of his successor, Leon Maisel.
During his tenure, Arrigo witnessed Baton Rouge host many successful events such as: Miss Teen USA, two Miss USA pageants, Bayou Country Superfest, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), Women’s & Open Championships in 2005, 2012, 2017, 2025 (upcoming) and the Garth Brooks Stadium Tour that sold over 100K tickets in two hours. All of these accomplishments brought not only local, but national media attention to the Capital City.
To honor his legacy and years spent in his leadership role, the Baton Rouge Marriott, the Baton Rouge Lodging Association, Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and other area restaurants hosted a retirement party Wednesday, September 14th at the Baton Rouge Marriott. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, staff, hospitality partners and family were in attendance to wish Arrigo well on his new venture.
Arrigo says his plans during retirement includes home improvement projects, spending more time with his loved ones and of course, staying in Baton Rouge.
Accolades & Accomplishments by Paul Arrigo
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About Visit Baton Rouge
The mission of Visit Baton Rouge is to increase visitation to and awareness of the Baton Rouge Area, therefore enhancing economic impact. For more information, log onto www.VisitBatonRouge.com. Keep up with Visit Baton Rouge and the Capital City on social media sites @visitbatonrouge.
